Indonesia strives for its first weightlifting gold medal

Lisa Rumbewas competes in the 53 kg division at Athens 2004. Rumbewas went on to win a silver medal. (Photo credit: Mark Dadswell/Getty Images)Photo Gallery>>(BEIJING, July 10) -- Indonesia is hopeful that it will win its first weightlifting gold medal at Beijing 2008. However, Indonesia’s Olympic Games weightlifting coach Mulyana is still anxious about their prospects for the Games.

Despite the Indonesian national squad dominating the opening day of the National Games’ weightlifting competition in East Kalimantan on July 7, Malyana believes that there is still room for improvement.

Eko Yuli Irawan, who will probably be a member of Indonesia’s Olympic weightlifting squad, won the gold medal in the men’s 56 kg division.

“Eko's showing today was below his best. That's not a good sign for his preparations for the Olympic Games," Malyana said.

Silver medalist at Athens 2004, Lisa Rumbewas dominated the women’s 53 kg division. Rumbewas lifted a total of 203 kg, which was 29 kg more than the silver medalist, Sri Indriani.